‘Only job I wanted’, says new France coach Zidane

Zinedine Zidane has officially been named the new head coach of the French national football team, a move widely anticipated following the departure of Didier Deschamps. The French Football Federation (FFF) announced the appointment on Tuesday.

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For me, it’s an immense joy… being able to become the coach of this French team. I don’t have any other words.

Zidane, 54, a legendary figure in French football and a former teammate of Deschamps, has long been considered the leading candidate for the position. His tenure begins immediately, with a four-year contract extending through the 2030 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.

Deschamps concluded his long tenure, which began in 2012, after France secured a fourth-place finish at the 2026 World Cup. During his time, Deschamps led France to victory in the 2018 World Cup and a runner-up finish in 2022.

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I’m holding myself back because I have so many emotions inside me. I’m ready for the challenge, that’s what drives me today.

At his unveiling in Paris, Zidane conveyed his profound emotions and eagerness for the role. "For me, it’s an immense joy… being able to become the coach of this French team. I don’t have any other words," he stated. He added, "I’m holding myself back because I have so many emotions inside me. I’m ready for the challenge, that’s what drives me today."

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The France job was the only one I wanted.

Zidane, who previously coached Real Madrid, leading them to three consecutive Champions League titles, revealed that the French national team job was his sole focus. "The France job was the only one I wanted," he said, explaining that he had rejected multiple club offers over the past four to five years. He acknowledged the difference between club and international management but expressed no fear, stating, "I think it’s a completely different job, that’s for sure… Now this is something new for me, but it doesn’t scare me."

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I think it’s a completely different job, that’s for sure. I’ve experienced the club side of it. Now this is something new for me, but it doesn’t scare me.